A FAMILY HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER
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Click on the image to see a larger picture
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Situated
on the Island of Cumbrae or Great Cumbrae, Downcraig Ferry House is in
an ideal position for a family holiday for those who want to get away
from it all, but not too far away! A short ferry trip from Largs (10
mins) the house is only a few hundred yards along the road from the
landing slip and about 3 miles from the picturesque town of Millport.
The house sits on a small promontory which, more than 100 years ago,
boasted an iron pier at which the steamers would berth and it is said
that newly-wed islanders would take a wee dram at the Ferry Inn, before
they left for their honeymoon. Behind the house is a craggy outcrop
which is called Dun Creag (Rock of the Fort) after which the house is
named and on which there is some evidence of vitrification. Towards the
end of the walled pier area is a small mound, called Haco’s Mound.
Legend has it that King Haco or Haakon, the leader of the Vikings, sat
on this mound watching in despair, as his fleet was blown onto the shore
at Largs. There his forces were massacred by the forces of King
Alexander. The local people, including, it is said, women and children,
joined in and fell upon the Vikings as they struggled in the stormy surf
of the beach. The house has for
long been a family home and has a simple, charming atmosphere. It has
its own spring-fed water supply and the garden and the crag behind the
house offer exciting play areas and the pier in front can be used for
all sorts of games such as kick the can, pier tennis and badminton or
just for lazing in the sun. |
Click here to see some interior shots of the house
| On the south side of the house, literally only a few feet away across the road, is a small sandy beach, with interesting rock pools and marine shore life, such as crabs and shellfish. Next door to the north is the sportscotland National Centre which offers a multitude of courses such as windsurfing, sailing and canoeing. The Island is very much a family oriented place and families are especially welcome at Downcraig. There are so many things to do and see, both on and off the island. The Island of Cumbrae is famous for a number of things. For example there are two entries for the island in the Guinness Book of Records as it boasts the smallest Cathedral in Europe and the smallest house frontage, The Wedge. Further information is available on the following pages by clicking on the links on the left. I look forward to seeing you and welcoming you to one of the jewels of the Clyde, the Island of Cumbrae. It will be a Scottish Holiday to remember. |
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